Eco Marine Safari - Self Drive (January - May)

Gansbaai

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Activity Description

All trips are weather and tide dependant and launch times may vary accordingly from those stated. Your launch time will be confirmed the day before.

The boat, Dream Catcher, is the first boat in South Africa to be designed specifically for whale watching. It is extremely comfortable and spacious, with on board toilets, an observation deck for photography enthusiasts, PA system and even a hydrophone! Dream Catcher is 14m long and complies with all the safety regulations set out by the marine authorities.

Once you have arrived at The Great White House, you will receive a brief introductory talk about the route, safety, and what to look out for. Passengers are fitted with comfortable life-jackets and waterproof jackets. Safety is of the utmost importance.

Whale Watching Trip length is between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on sightings and weather conditions. All cruises depart from Kleinbaai harbour near Gansbaai. Dyer Island is located 8 km from shore and is an access controlled Important Bird Area (IBA) for the conservation of its many resident bird species, including African penguins. Adjacent to Dyer Island is Geyser Rock, home to a 60,000 strong Cape fur seal colony. These seals are present all year round. We will take you into the channel of water between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock known as the world famous ‘Shark Alley’. We will then take you to the whale hot-spots in the bay. With over a decade of experience, not only do we know where to expect the best whale viewings, but the whales have also learned where to expect us!

We pride ourselves on being both fun and educational. Each trip is led by experienced marine biologists and guides who will share their knowledge with you, keeping emphasis on the welfare and conservation of the animal. Responsible tourism is our main objective so we focus on conservation, education, community upliftment and safety.

The boat is surveyed annually by the SA Maritime Safety Authority, conforms to its specifications and is licensed and fully insured for 50 passengers and 6 crew. Safety equipment includes first aid kit, radio and cellular phone.
All clients have to sign an indemnity form on arrival before they can ride, no sign no ride.

Arrangements

WhereThe Great White House, where you will receive a brief introductory talk about the route, safety, and what to look out for. We then take a 200 metre stroll down to the harbour to board.

WeatherDue to variable weather conditions the trip may not always be possible and is therefore not guaranteed. Time-related itineraries are dependent on tides, weather conditions and the amount of tours scheduled for a particular day.

What to WearAlways bring warm clothing as it is cooler at sea than on land. Comfortable shoes /takkies.

Things to BringBinoculars, camera, warm clothing.

Guests or SpectatorsAlways bring warm clothing as it is cooler at sea than on land. Please remember to use sunscreen. Please use anti-seasick medication well in advance if you are prone to motion sickness.

Requirements

Minimum Age2 years

Minimum Height1.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelNo Fitness Requirement

QualificationsNot Applicable

Maximum Weight150.0 kg

CertificationNone Required

Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

InclusionsBoat Trip, tea and coffee with muffins on arrival, bottled water on board and warm soup & bread once back on land.

Notes

All trips are weather and tide dependant and launch times may vary accordingly from those stated. Your launch time will be confirmed the day before.

Customer Reviews

It was a wonderful experience! The staff are all very friendly and kind. Juan really enjoyed o help with the "work"on the boat. It was an amazing day out on the sea. Thank you so much!! -Marlise Coetzee

We had a fantastic trip with DIC in early March. Even though it wasn't whale sason we came across a mother and a calf, and the great white sighting was marvellous. The whole family felt really safe and taken care of. The crew is friendly and very knowledgeable. We certainly hope to be back one day! -Johanna Fredenberg

I visited with my family and the whole family loved the area, the activities, and learnt something. My kids were energised re conservation and each became an ambassador for penguins, and they are still talking about it. The staff could not have done more to make them feel comfortable, the safety was top notch, and the facilities great. All round a professional operation and a great day out! Would recommend to anyone! -Steve Gwenin

Although the sightings were limited we had a wonderful time.
All the crew were friendly and knowledgeable.
They took the trouble to discover if there were any special interests and then follow through with relevant information.
Obviously any expedition doesn't follow a guaranteed pattern but from the Captain onwards everyone strove to make the morning one to enjoy- they succeeded.
Well done to all. -Laraine Lawrence

Very well organized trip which gave us a fantastic experience of the sea life, with seals, penguins, sharks and birds. Would gladly recommend the trip to everyone. -Eli nodeland